Dolomites Day Trips from Trento — 5 Must-See Itineraries

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, are among the most spectacular mountains in the world. And Trento is the perfect base to explore them: situated in the heart of Trentino, the main valleys are all within 1–2 hours.

Whether you are on a week-long holiday or just passing through for a day, a private NCC transport service with a dedicated driver gets you to the best scenery without the stress of driving on mountain roads. Here are 5 itineraries we recommend, based on over 20 years of experience from our drivers.

1. Val di Fassa and the Dolomite passes

Recommended duration: full day (8–9 hours) · Distance from Trento: ~80 km (1h15)

Val di Fassa is the heart of the Dolomites. The route leaves Trento, follows the Val di Cembra and arrives at Moena, known as the "fairy of the Dolomites". From there it continues to Canazei, at the foot of the Marmolada glacier.

The most spectacular stretch is the ascent of the Dolomite passes: Passo Pordoi (2,239 m) with its panoramic terrace, Passo Sella with views of the Sassolungo, and Passo di Fedaia with its lake at the base of the Marmolada glacier. Those who wish can take the cable car to Sass Pordoi for a 360° view over the Dolomites.

Recommended stops: Canazei for a coffee, Passo Pordoi for photos, Lago di Fedaia for lunch at a mountain refuge.

2. Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi

Recommended duration: full day (8–9 hours) · Distance from Trento: ~100 km (1h30)

Val Gardena is world-famous for skiing and for its wood-carving tradition. The route leads to Ortisei, the main village, where you can stroll through the historic centre and browse the workshops of local craftsmen.

From Ortisei, the ascent to Alpe di Siusi — the largest high-altitude plateau in Europe — reveals a vast expanse of meadows (or snow in winter) with the peaks of the Sassolungo and Sciliar as a backdrop. In summer you can walk through wildflower meadows; in winter, ski along panoramic runs.

Recommended stops: Ortisei for Ladin culture and shopping, Alpe di Siusi for a walk or lunch at a mountain dairy, Santa Cristina for a coffee with a view.

3. Madonna di Campiglio and Val Rendena

Recommended duration: full day (7–8 hours) · Distance from Trento: ~85 km (1h20)

Madonna di Campiglio is Trentino's most elegant mountain resort, nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello group. The route crosses the Valle dei Laghi and the Val Rendena, with landscapes that change at every bend.

In Campiglio you can walk through the village centre, take the cable car up to Grostè for a panoramic view of the Brenta Dolomites, or visit the Vallesinella waterfalls — three spectacular cascades reachable via an easy forest walk.

Recommended stops: Vallesinella waterfalls (45-minute easy walk), Campiglio village centre for lunch, Grostè cable car for the view.

4. Lake Braies and Val Pusteria

Recommended duration: full day (9–10 hours) · Distance from Trento: ~160 km (2h)

Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is arguably the most photographed alpine lake in Italy. Its emerald waters, framed by the Croda del Becco, are breathtaking in every season. This is the longest of the five itineraries but worth every kilometre.

Along the way you pass through Val Pusteria, with the option to stop at Brunico (medieval castle and town centre) and San Candido (the easternmost village in South Tyrol). In summer, parking at Lake Braies must be booked online in advance — with a private NCC transport service, that is one less thing to think about.

Recommended stops: Brunico for the historic centre, Lake Braies for the lakeside walk (1 hour on foot), San Candido for a traditional lunch.

5. Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Tre Cime

Recommended duration: full day (9–10 hours) · Distance from Trento: ~170 km (2h15)

Cortina d'Ampezzo, the "Queen of the Dolomites", is famous for its Winter Olympics heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere. But the real stars are the mountains: the Tofane, the Cristallo, the Cinque Torri — and, a little further on, the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The route crosses Passo Falzarego and offers the option of reaching the Cinque Torri by cable car. For the Tre Cime, from Cortina you continue to Rifugio Auronzo (2,320 m), the starting point of the classic circular walk (approximately 3 hours, moderate difficulty).

Recommended stops: Passo Falzarego for photos, Cortina centre for shopping, Rifugio Auronzo for the Tre Cime (summer only).

Why choose a private NCC transport service for the Dolomites?

The mountain roads of the Dolomites are spectacular but demanding: hairpin bends, narrow passes, snow in winter. With a private NCC chauffeur service you can:

• Enjoy the scenery without worrying about the driving
• Avoid the stress of parking (often scarce during peak season)
• Choose your own stops and pace throughout the day
• Travel safely even in snow and icy conditions
• Benefit from your driver's local knowledge of every corner of the area

Private NCC transport to the Dolomites from Trento

Autonoleggio Amico has been providing private chauffeur transport to the Dolomites since 2004. We have vehicles for every need: cars for couples, 9-seat minibuses for families and friends, and 56-seat Gran Turismo coaches for larger groups.

The service is fully tailored to you: tell us where you want to go and we will drive you there, with a free, transparent quote for the transport.